Police: Las Cruces Woman Fires Gun From Vehicle

A Las Cruces woman suspected of firing at least one round from a moving vehicle Friday morning has been arrested.

Ashley Elebario, 27, of the 500 block of Chaparro Street, is charged with one count each of shooting at or from a motor vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Shortly before 4 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, Las Cruces Police were dispatched to the report of shots fired near the Papa John’s pizza store at 1701 S. Solano Dr. Officers discovered that a vehicle in the parking lot and a sign to the business were struck by gunfire.

Detectives learned that two Papa John’s employees were leaving work when they heard several shots coming from a vehicle passing by. The employees sought cover behind a vehicle and called 911, passing along a description of the vehicle as a gray Cadillac SUV.

Las Cruces Police officers quickly spotted a vehicle matching the description and followed it to an apartment complex on Hagarty Road. The vehicle came to a stop and the driver ran away.

Officer detained Elebario, the front-seat passenger, and two men who were riding in the back seat of the Cadillac. Officers were unable to immediately locate the driver.

Detectives learned that Elebario fired at least one round from the vehicle and the driver fired additional rounds toward the Papa John’s. No injuries were reported.

Elebario was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $5,000. Detectives are continuing their investigation and additional charges are pending.